The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees survived a determined comeback attempt by the Dayton Gems on the way to a 5-4 win.

A goal by Scott Balan put Rio Grande Valley up 5-3 in the third period, but Dayton pulled to within one on Nic Polaski's tally 18:23 into the third period.

Aaron Lee and Balan provided the spark for the Killer Bees, combining for three goals and one assist. Lee racked up two goals and Balan also added one goal and one assist.

Rio Grande Valley was hit hard by penalties in the contest, and totaled six minors and one major for 17 minutes in penalty time. With 31 shots on target during the contest, the Killer Bees exceeded the 23.2 shots they average per game this year.

Rio Grande Valley also got points from Brandon Campos, who also grabbed one goal and one assist. Rio Grande Valley also got a goal from Tomas Klempa as well. In addition, Rio Grande Valley received assists from Dan Gendur, who had three and Nicolas Rioux, Jason Dixon, Kirill Startsev, and Aaron Boogaard, who each chipped in one.

The Gems forced Rio Grande Valley goalie Wylie Rogers to work between the pipes, taking 33 shots.

Dayton was led by Brett Lutes, who had two goals and one assist. Lutes scored the first of his two goals at 54 seconds into the first period to make the score 1-0 Dayton. Damian Surma assisted on the tally. Lutes' next tally made the score 3-3 with 5:38 left in the second period. The Gems had gotten the advantage when the Killer Bees' Gendur was sent off for elbowing. Surma picked up the assist. Matthew Larke also scored for Dayton. Other players who recorded assists for Dayton were Nick Schneider, Tim Hartung, John Kennedy, and Matt Baxter, who contributed one a piece.

Wylie Rogers made 29 saves for Rio Grande Valley on 33 shots. The Killer Bees registered one goal on four power play opportunities. Dan Dunn recorded 26 saves for Dayton. The Gems totaled 25 minutes in penalty time with five minors and one major and went 1-for-5 on the power play.